BITS Pilani has received a record USD 4 million donation. The gift comes from alumnus Chand P Garg and his wife Manju Garg. This is the largest individual donation the institution has ever received from an alumnus.
Record Donation Boosts Endowment Fund
The substantial donation significantly increases BITS Pilani’s endowment fund. The fund has now surpassed USD 34 million. The institution aims to reach a total of USD 100 million for its endowment.
Scholarship Impact
This new funding will directly support students. It will enable 16 eligible students each year to continue and complete their education at BITS Pilani. The scholarships will prioritize girls from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Endowment Fund Goals
BITS Pilani established its USD 100 million endowment fund. It is the first such fund for a non-governmental higher education institution in India. The fund’s objectives include strengthening faculty, advancing research, providing student scholarships, and enhancing global engagement. The institution aims for global university rankings.
Alumnus Motivation
Chand Garg, a 1968 mechanical engineering graduate, stated his education at BITS Pilani was foundational. He said the donation aims to provide similar opportunities to deserving and needy students. Garg expressed gratitude for his BITS Pilani experience.
Institutional Response
BITS Pilani’s Vice Chancellor, V Ramgopal Rao, highlighted the donation’s significance. He noted it reflects gratitude and a desire to give back. Rao emphasized that talented students can now pursue education regardless of financial constraints.
BITS Pilani’s Director, Sudhirkumar Barai, commented on the alumni connection. He stated the contribution highlights the strong bond between the institution and its graduates. Barai added that this donation sets a new benchmark for alumni philanthropy in Indian higher education.